IETA statement on the US withdrawal from the UNFCCC

The withdrawal includes US membership in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), approved by a two thirds majority of the Senate in 1992, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and follows less than a year after the US notified the UNFCCC Secretariat of its intention to withdraw from the UNFCCC’s Paris Agreement. 
 

IETA believes this decision is harmful to US interests. Participating in multilateral decision-making that may affect US corporations, the US Government and other entities is always stronger than sitting on the sidelines and having such decisions applied to them, particularly where such decisions may result in liabilities for such entities.  
 

The US private sector will not benefit from the important views of the US government across a broad range of climate concerns - from science and technology to finance, adaptation and markets. The US is also a leader in markets, market design, and market regulation. Its voice will be noticeably absent at the UNFCCC negotiating tables.  
 

At the same time, we believe that the US private sector will maintain interest in Article 6 markets, given their strategic importance in global energy and infrastructure. US firms have extensive investments around the world, and they see enormous growth potential.  
 

US firms may find ways to work with local partners in other countries, but they will not be able to import, export, or market credits to or from the US with the confidence that comes with participating in the UNFCCC.  
 

The US had largely absented itself from UN climate talks in 2025, and the negative effects of the US absence were notable. The further step of withdrawing from the UNFCCC reduces US influence and leadership across an even wider range of markets and opportunities.